Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, located in the small town of Oppido Mamertina in Calabria, Italy, is not your typical museum. It is not filled with ancient artifacts or famous paintings, but rather it is a museum dedicated to the fight against the ‘ndrangheta, one of the most powerful and dangerous organized crime syndicates in the world. And at the forefront of this cultural movement is claudio La camera, an anthropologist and director of theater who has dedicated his life to educating and empowering people to stand up against the mafia.
La camera, a native of Calabria, has been studying the ‘ndrangheta for over 20 years. He has delved deep into their history, culture, and operations, and has become a leading expert on the subject. But his passion for fighting against the mafia goes beyond academic research. He has also taken on the role of a cultural activist, using his knowledge and creativity to spread awareness and promote a culture of anti-mafia.
One of La camera’s most notable achievements is the creation of the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta. The idea for the museum came to him in 2006, when he was invited to participate in a conference on the topic of mafia and culture. He realized that there was a lack of information and understanding about the ‘ndrangheta, not only among outsiders but also among the people living in Calabria. He saw the need for a space where people could learn about the ‘ndrangheta and its impact on society, and thus the idea for the museum was born.
The museum, which opened its doors in 2010, is a powerful and thought-provoking experience. It is divided into different sections, each one focusing on a different aspect of the ‘ndrangheta. Visitors can learn about the history of the mafia, its structure and rituals, and the impact it has on the local community. But what makes this museum truly unique is its emphasis on the cultural aspect of the fight against the mafia. It showcases the work of artists, writers, and activists who have used their talents to raise awareness and promote a culture of anti-mafia.
One of the most striking sections of the museum is dedicated to the use of false invoices by the ‘ndrangheta to launder money. This section, curated by La camera himself, displays a collection of fake invoices used by the mafia to hide their illegal activities. By showcasing these documents, La camera hopes to shed light on the economic power of the ‘ndrangheta and the need for stricter measures to combat their financial operations.
But the museum is not the only project that La camera has undertaken in his fight against the mafia. He is also the director of the Teatro della ‘ndrangheta, a theater company that uses performances to educate and raise awareness about the mafia. Through powerful and emotional plays, the company tackles issues such as corruption, violence, and exploitation, and encourages people to stand up against the mafia.
La camera’s dedication to the fight against the ‘ndrangheta has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the prestigious “Premio Libera” in 2018, which is awarded to those who make a significant contribution to the fight against organized crime. But for La camera, the most rewarding aspect of his work is seeing the impact it has on people’s lives. He has witnessed how the museum and the theater company have inspired individuals to speak out against the mafia and take action in their communities.
The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta and the work of claudio La camera are a testament to the power of culture in fighting against organized crime. By promoting a culture of anti-mafia, La camera is not only educating people about the dangers of the ‘ndrangheta but also empowering them to take a stand against it. His efforts are not only making a difference in Calabria but are also inspiring people around the world to join the fight against organized crime.
“Inside the Anti-Mafia Museum in Oppido Mamertina, Italy”
